“Our Nations must be full participants in decisions that affect our lands, resources, and futures. SCO will continue working to ensure First Nations interests are protected while creating opportunities and partnerships that benefit our citizens for generations to come.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —The Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s (SCO) hosted a Chiefs-in-Summit at the Naawi-Oodena urban reserve in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory. SCO Chiefs, Youth Chiefs, and proxies discussed strengthening governance, advancing health transformation, and creating economic opportunities for First Nations citizens.
“Our Nations shape the direction of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and the meaningful work we do together,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The Chiefs-in-Summit is an opportunity for leadership to come together, share perspectives, and ensure our organization continues to advance the priorities that matter most to our citizens and Nations.”
Throughout the Summit, delegates received updates on several key initiatives, including ongoing health transformation work, economic development opportunities, and prospective partnerships designed to support long-term success for First Nations.
Leadership also participated in discussions about the proposed Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation, emphasizing the importance of meaningful consultation, environmental stewardship, and ensuring First Nations have a strong voice in economic development opportunities.
“Our Nations must be full participants in decisions that affect our lands, resources, and futures,” said Chief EJ Fontaine of Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation. “It is essential for southern First Nations to work together to protect our resources while also creating opportunities and partnerships that benefit our citizens for generations to come.”
Chiefs also engaged in extensive discussions regarding SCO’s governance structure and Constitution. They explored ways to strengthen leadership representation and ensure the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of member Nations.
Representatives from Hitachi America Ltd. attended the Summit to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration in energy, digital infrastructure, and connected industries. Chiefs emphasized that any opportunities must be guided by First Nations priorities and provide meaningful benefits for Nations.
SCO member Nations also heard from former National Chief Matthew Coon Come, who reflected on the impacts of hydroelectric development on First Nations and the importance of protecting Treaty rights. His presentation prompted discussion about ensuring First Nations are meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their lands and waters.
Chiefs passed six resolutions focused on the continued development of the Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation, strengthening health leadership structures, advancing the exploration of strategic partnerships that may create opportunities for SCO member Nations, governance modernization, supporting Manitoba’s bid to host the 2028 North American Indigenous Games, and calling on the Province of Manitoba to fulfill its constitutional duty to consult and accommodate First Nations before renewing the Lake Winnipeg Regulation licence.
SCO will continue to take direction from Chiefs to advance initiatives that support strong, healthy, and prosperous First Nations throughout southern Manitoba.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
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Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca